We're big fans of those simple joys, like knowing you have spare batteries, a working pen, or a fresh new water filter replacement right when you need it. But unlike batteries, which you can just grab pretty much anywhere, it can be a ha…
If you're one of those parents who can answer any question without saying let's go check the internet! like I do, then more power to you. As for me, I was researching the story of the real St. Patrick's Day to help explain it to my kids,…
Another year, another Good Reads Challenge goal , and I'm so happy to get the year started with the first novel by Cool Mom Picks' own co-founder Kristen Mei Chase, A Thousand Miles to Graceland . If you love to read tender, funny, and c…
If you have a few minutes to spare, you can literally save money. And that sounds like a good way to start the new year, right? Of course I'm sure a lot of us have some version of "get my finances in order" on our list of New Year's reso…
I know we've been sharing gifts galore , because hey, that's what we do this time of year. (And quite well, I might add. Ahem.) But I want to call your attention to one more gift idea that checks all my favorite boxes -- it's from an ind…
Personalized gifts have always been among our favorites, but finding affordable personalized holiday gifts -- well, we really love a challenge. So we've found more than a dozen for you all, to help you select something extra-thoughtful f…
The AFC Richmond fans say it's the hope that kills you , but we're here to say that it's really the anticipation -- of Ted Lasso Season 3, of course. Luckily, it will be appearing on our screens in 2023, and we can almost taste the homem…
Last year I browsed Oprah's Favorite Things List of holiday gifts so thoroughly that I thought -- whoa, what if I share my favorites from her favorites? So I did. And you liked them! So much so, it was hard to even get your hands on some…
This is a sponsored message from American Greetings If you love sending real holiday cards but hate the hassle of printing, finding postage and mailing -- basically all of us -- you're going to love Creatacard from AmericanGreetings.com …
There is so much good reporting these days, so many good op-eds, so many independent journalists and bloggers and substacks worth reading these days and I thought I'd share a few of the articles I've really found fascinating lately. I te…
If your kids' book covers or school folders are looking a little plain this early in the school year, take a look at the cool social justice stickers we've just discovered from new, teen-led Etsy shop Gen Z for Equity. The stickers were …
Back to school for my kids means back to boots for me. Seems fair, right? Take one peek at any fall 2022 shoe trend post at your favorite style magazine and it's boots, boots, and more boots, which yay! because I have that category cover…
We first started this site with the mission of discovering cool things -- particularly from small businesses and women-run companies -- and share them with you all. While we've become popular for our gift guides to suit every budget, our…
To say that I'm thrilled to share that my debut novel, A Thousand Miles to Graceland , is now available for pre-order and hitting stands on January 24, 2023 is an understatement. I've been working on this story of fun, heartfelt mother-d…
Though my "babies" are all old enough to drive a car, I've been following the nationwide baby formula shortages with alarm over the rhetoric being aimed at parents who are feeding their babies formula. Instead of trying to find ways to h…
This year, I've been on the hunt for Mother's Day gift books, because even the mom who has everything can always use an inspiring, uplifting, sentimental, or just thoughtful new book. Consider that a Mother's Day gift book can be for any…
Just when I think I have my kids' artwork organized , more of it appears. So I'm perpetually on the lookout for creative solutions to display my kids' artwork in a way that makes those watercolor rainbows and handprint turkeys still look…
I am so excited to share some of the spring 2022 nail trends I'm loving. Because when I decided to share my favorite winter nail trends a few months ago, I'll be honest -- had no idea it would be such a huge hit! Maybe because of all the…
I've been searching for easy ways to update the family room in my house lately. And I know it's not just me! With so many of us working remotely and spending more time in our homes than we would haveve in pre-pandemic days, it's no wonde…
My first cool pick of 2022 just had to be this sweetly illustrated Betty White Mug from artist, maker and online Insta-friend Jennifer Vallez of Sophie and Lilli. So many of us were just crushed Betty White's passing at 99 , even if we c…
On every episode of our podcast Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we share our cool picks of the week. We even started an email full of them every week. And now, we give you, our favorite cool picks of the year. Granted, it's pretty hard nar…
For all you out there needing last-minute Christmas gifts, we got you! My son's gotten into the habit of asking Alexa how many days are left until Christmas and while it was pretty adorable at first, it can incite a little panic now that…
It goes without saying that I will always love Dolly Parton, so naturally I was drawn to these amazing Dolly Parton gifts. If you haven't listened to the Dolly Parton's America podcast yet, let me assure you that people of all stripes, p…
Since custom photo books are among our very favorite gifts for the holidays , for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and even for teacher gifts and gifts for favorite sitters, we've put together a helpful comparison of our top picks. For years,…